A Defence Force spokeswoman refused to comment, saying the force's own investigation was ongoing. Fairfax Media can also reveal army ranges across Australia are failing to develop bushfire plans in accordance with Defence rules.

A source with close knowledge of army training area management said Defence chiefs knew of shortcomings in setting up bushfire plans but had not acted because of a lack of resources.

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Leaked internal Defence correspondence seen by Fairfax Media indicates Defence's Directorate of Training Area Management knew ranges across Australia had failed to implement bushfire plans, even though they were demanded in a 2011 fire protection manual.

Chapter seven of the Training Area Management Manual states: ''The nature of Defence activities carries an inherent risk of starting [bushfires] … and there must be a site Bushfire Management Plan.''

Fairfax Media has confirmed Defence also started a bushfire at the weekend in South Australia through an explosives exercise.

A spokesman for the South Australian Country Fire Service confirmed Defence was responsible for a fire at the Cultana training area south of Port Augusta on Saturday and it was ''part of an exercise''.

CFS crews sent two bulk water carriers to the fire, which took hold of scrubland in the range. They quickly brought it under control.

The training area manual states: ''Commanders are to balance the urgency of any planned live-fire activities against the level of risk of starting a wildfire or bushfire.''

The rule on when live-fire exercises can be carried out is unclear. One section states they should not be carried out without ''an authorised operational imperative'' if the fire danger is at a ''high'' level or above. A different section states they should not be conducted when there is a total fire ban.